Andrei Stenin Photo Contest Exhibition Opens in Jakarta

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - An exhibition featuring award-winning works from the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest has opened in Jakarta, showcasing contemporary photojournalism from around the world. The opening ceremony was held at the ANTARA Heritage Center – ANTARA Gallery of Photojournalism Jakarta on September 21, 2026, and was attended by Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov.

The exhibition brings together 19 individual photographs and 12 photo series created by winners and prize recipients of the international competition. The works highlight the role of photojournalism in documenting events and presenting human stories through visual narratives.

Ambassador Tolchenov said professional journalism remains important in helping audiences understand rapidly changing events and the human experiences behind them. “Photojournalism has a unique ability to capture and preserve those stories through a single image,” he said during the opening ceremony.

Three Indonesian photographers were among the winners and prize recipients of this year’s competition. Reza Saifulla won the Top News. Single category, Garry Lotulung received a prize in Top News. Series, while Hendi Wikaksono was awarded in the My Planet. Single category.

Tolchenov said the achievements of the three Indonesian photographers demonstrated the talent and professionalism of Indonesian photo journalists. Their recognition also highlights the participation of Indonesian photographers in an international platform dedicated to contemporary photojournalism.

The opening ceremony also featured remarks from Project Manager at the International Cooperation Directorate of the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group Sofia Zagorskaya and Finance and Risk Management Director of the ANTARA News Agency Aria Bimo Setyo Pramono. The exhibition reflects cooperation between media and cultural institutions in providing a platform for international photojournalism in Jakarta.

The Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest was established by the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group in 2014 under the auspices of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO. The competition seeks to support young photojournalists from around the world while drawing public attention to the challenges and developments of contemporary photojournalism.

The exhibition will remain open to the public at the ANTARA Heritage Center – ANTARA Gallery of Photo journalism until September 27, 2026. Through the displayed works, visitors can explore different perspectives on contemporary events and human experiences captured by photojournalists from various countries.